CHAPTER FOUR

"I sincerely wish you both the best. Oh, and before I forget, I put together a detailed map of every room in the house for you." Catarina handed Sophia a neatly drawn layout. "This should make it easier to find your way around."

Sophia glanced at it, a warm smile spreading across her face. "That's so thoughtful of you! By the way, how old are you?"

"Twenty-five."

"Wow! That's perfect! I should introduce you to my brother, Sydney. You'd love him—he's brilliant and has the kindest heart."

Catarina's expression didn't shift. "You'll get to meet my boyfriend soon, Sophy."

Sophia raised an eyebrow. "Boyfriend? Oh! You're already taken? Does he live here?"

"He does."

"Let me guess—he's the bodyguard? The gardener? The driver? Come on, give me a hint! We're practically friends now!"

Catarina's lips curled into a smirk. "I don't befriend the staff here. You and I are just acquaintances. See you around." With that, she turned and walked away.

Sophia watched her leave, her mind racing.

If Catarina didn't mix with the staff, then that meant her boyfriend wasn't one of them…

***

That evening, precisely at six, a bell chimed, signaling dinner.

Feeling hunger gnawing at her stomach, Sophia hurried downstairs—only to freeze at the sight before her.

The entire Smith family was already seated at the grand dining table, their poised elegance impossible to ignore.

At the head sat Mr. Smith, his sharp gaze missing nothing. Beside him, Mrs. Smith, exuding quiet authority, sipped from a crystal glass. Their four sons, each a striking masterpiece in their own way, engaged in murmured conversation as they ate.

As soon as Tony spotted her, his face lit up. He jumped to his feet and rushed toward her, pulling her into an enthusiastic hug. "Sophia! You're finally here! I'm so happy to see you!"

She smiled and offered a polite nod.

Excitedly, he turned to his mother. "You won't believe it, but she stayed with me when I was stranded waiting for my driver. She made sure I was okay! Mother, you should have given me a sister like her!"

Laughter rippled through the family.

One of the sons—almost as attractive as the eldest—offered a small grin. "She must be a genuinely caring person to do all that without knowing who you were."

Another, with messy curls and an air of indifference, smirked. "Yeah, and she got rewarded for it." His tone carried an edge of sarcasm that made Sophia instantly dislike him.

Mrs. Smith, her voice gentle yet firm, gestured toward the table. "Come eat. You must be starving."

Sophia bowed slightly in gratitude but, instead of joining them, headed toward the kitchen.

Inside, nearly fifteen chefs and just as many maids bustled about.

She greeted them warmly, receiving mostly polite responses—though a few maids shot her subtle looks of disapproval.

At the centre of the activity, Catarina stood, directing the cooks with quiet authority.

When it was Sophia's turn, Catarina handed her a plate and leaned in, whispering, "I'm sorry for earlier—for rejecting your offer of friendship. I was just teasing."

Sophia blinked in surprise. "No worries, Catarina."

Catarina hesitated before adding, "I'm not the most sociable person, but I'd actually like to get along with you. You seem different—you don't gossip like the others. You've got a good energy about you."

She gave a small smile and walked away, leaving Sophia deep in thought.

***

Catarina carefully folded Ryan's clothes, placing them neatly in his wardrobe.

As he stepped out of the bathroom, a towel draped over his shoulders, he watched her for a moment before speaking. "Catarina, can I hold you?"

Her eyes darted toward the door. "I told you—Mark is already suspicious. What if he walks in like last time?"

Ryan closed the distance between them, taking her hands in his. "How many times do I have to tell you? I'm not afraid of anyone. The only thing I fear is a life where I can't openly love you."

She pulled back slightly. "I can't afford to lose this job. My family depends on me."

"If you lose this job, you won't lose me." His voice softened, eyes locked on hers.

Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. "We both know your family would rather die than accept me."

Ryan's hold on her tightened. "Are you giving up on us?"

She inhaled deeply. "I've been working on my fashion business. I just opened a small store and hired workers. Maybe if I grow enough, someday your family will see me differently."

Ryan lifted her effortlessly, pressing a kiss against her damp cheek. "I love you, Catarina," he whispered. "I love you so much."

Before she could respond, the door swung open.

Standing in the doorway was Raymond Smith, his expression unreadable.

A heavy silence filled the air.

Catarina snatched her basket and fled.

Ryan stood frozen in place.

Raymond's voice was dangerously calm. "Tell me I didn't just see what I think I saw."

Ryan exhaled slowly. "That depends—what do you think you saw?"

Raymond's jaw clenched. "You know exactly what I mean."

Ryan squared his shoulders. "I'm done hiding. I love Catarina. And I will marry her."

Raymond's eyes darkened. "What about Prisca Anderson? The Skylar Airways heiress?"

Ryan scoffed. "Prisca? I feel nothing for her. With Catarina, I feel at home. She's brilliant, she supports me mentally. I don't need money—I need someone who keeps me grounded. And she does."

Raymond's voice dropped to a near growl. "You think love is enough? Do you even understand what built Smith Group? Look at our uncles, our cousins—they all married strategically! You can't throw that away for a maid!"

Ryan's expression hardened. "I'd walk away from Smith Group in a heartbeat if it meant real happiness."

Raymond's stare was ice. "You would leave everything for her?"

Ryan didn't hesitate. "If you fire Catarina, you'll never see me again. That's my promise."

With that, he stormed out, leaving Raymond standing motionless, his face dark with contemplation.

***

The next morning, Sophia had just returned from taking Mr. Smith to the gym when she spotted a group of ten bodyguards chatting outside.

"Well, well! Seems I'm the only woman here!" she teased, grinning.

One of them smirked. "We've heard about your skills. Care to show us what you got?"

With a playful twinkle in her eye, Sophia launched into a sharp kick and a swift punch, earning applause and laughter.

From a distance, two of the Smith brothers watched her.

Ryan smirked. "She's got energy, I'll give her that."

Raymond scoffed. "Please. Even a blind man can tell she's unrefined—no class at all. The maids must be suffering, having to deal with her."

Ryan chuckled. "Funny, because from what I hear, most of them actually like her."

Raymond sneered. "Sentimentality won't get you anywhere."

Ryan smirked. "It'll get me to the right people."

Raymond shook his head and walked away.